Dr. Welters says the most important part of the physical is getting to talk with patients about things like their family medical history and making sure they’re up to speed on vaccinations.

Whether you notice it or not, he's actually looking for things you might never think of.

“Ear wax. People have packed in ear wax and may not be aware,” Dr. Welters says. He adds that looking in the back of your eye may show signs of high blood pressure.

While walking into an exam room for a physical can be intimidating, Dr. Welters says it's his job to create a safe environment.

“It's a safe environment, you can tell me anything, it's confidential,” he says. “My usual line is, particularly with the prostate or genital exam, ‘I don't enjoy this much more than you do.’ So, we understand, but it is part of it.”

No matter how uncomfortable it may be, investing in your health is certainly worth it.

“You don't want to meet a doctor for the first time in the emergency room,” says Dr. Welters.

Dr. Welters says, on average, he finds some sort of serious problem in about 1 in 10 physicals. They include things like diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure.